ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

12 years, 7 months ago - Susi Arnott

Look at the Canon XF100; small and portable but handles like a videocamera not a stills camera, full HD codec into MXF, 4:2:2 colour sampling and XLR ports for sound.

12 years, 7 months ago - tony powell

Hi, I have JVC GY-110UE camera, which has shot many documentaries for broadcast, as well as corporate. It's a lovely camera with interchangeable lenses, shoots 25,24 fps etc 720p & 1080i. I'm only looking for £1100 for it, and will throw in a good camera bag, 3 heavy duty V-Lock batteries and 3 of the smaller kind. It's surprisingly comfortable to shoot with, and sits on the shoulder nicely. Has 2 XLR sockets, and on board mic. Very good for green screen shoots also, an example of which can be seen at YouTube, ' Tony Powell, No Description Necessary Part1 '.Let me know if you're interested, or if you need any further details.All the best, Tony

12 years, 7 months ago - Georgina Cammalleri

Someone else mentoned the Canon XF100 - have you ever used it...? what are the main problems and is it broadcast quality? Also what is the recommended price? Thanks for the suggestion by the way..

12 years, 7 months ago - Soile Mottisenkangas

Hi Georgina,

For documentary filmmaker I can recommend also JVC GY-HM100E ProHD 3-CCD handheld compact camcorder, with XLRs for sound. Been thinking about selling mine, since wanna
concentrate for directing in future. More details if interested.

Here's a Vimeo group of JVC GY-HM100E, you can take a look the quality. https://vimeo.com/groups/16182

Soile Mottisenkangas
Greater Manchester
http://docstory.fi

12 years, 6 months ago - Matt Jamie

there's some good footage and info on the XF100 in this review: https://vimeo.com/26184320

12 years, 7 months ago - Georgina Cammalleri

Hi Everyone,

It sounds like XF 100 is the winner. But i'd like to know:

- what problems have people encountered with it
- what shops (aside from H Prestons as Steve suggests) should I go to?
- do i need additional accessories that would enhance the camera's performance?
- what is a good retail price for it and are there any second hand websites options out there?

Does it work alright with FCP?

Many thanks everyone - this is so so helpful!!

Georgina

12 years, 7 months ago - Peter Ward

The thing about the XF100/105 is while they give you a better codec than most competitors (apart from the Sony PMW-100--a camera Sony's own rep was embarrassed of) it uses the same, single sensor as a £300 consumer camcorder. Because it has to de-bayer from a single sensor the codec is wasted from a quality perspective--it has good low light compared to the three-chip JVC HM100/150 but at the expense of aliasing and moiré pattern.

It does give you better manual control than other prosumer models such as the Canon XA10 in a compact form factor. So if better manual control and light sensitivity are key factors XF100 makes sense. It will edit in FCP 6+ once the Canon MXF plugin is installed. Final Cut will rewrap to .MOV (as always) and gives the option to transcode to Pro Res (recommended) via Log and Transfer or "import" depending on the version.

As far as "broadcast quality", there's really no such thing. It depends on arbitrary standards set by the broadcaster in question. The XF100 is, I believe, the entry-level point for a camera that conforms to BBC specs (at the moment) for acquisition format; but since it is unlikely one would deliver in the same codec as was recorded in camera I'm not sure how anyone would really know for sure what format the video was shot in.

Probably the most important accessories, apart from extra battery and CF cards (I'd recommend Sandisk Extreme or Lexar Pro series) are microphones. If you go wireless at least opt for Sony UWP or Sennhieser G3 to avoid drop outs or RF interference. The Rode NTG2 is a good entry level shotgun and the NTG3 is amazing. Bear in mind shotguns are designed to be used pretty close to the subject (preferably not camera-mounted) so a boom operated is also recommend for best results. If you do camera mount avoide the built in mike holder. As with all Canon's, the mike will be loose and you will need to put foam or something in to hold the mike in tight, and the builtin provides minimal shock isolation. A shoe-mounted shockmount is preferred.

Other than that lighting. By far the biggest factor in how good your video will look. The Switronix Bolt LED is a good choice if you want something bright but also battery powered and camera-mountable. Otherwise Lowell provides good, affordable halogen solutions. If nothing else photo rated compact florescents in a soft box are a great, cheap interview solution.

-Peter

12 years, 7 months ago - Steve Hooker

Hi Georgina, I would agree with your earlier responders. The XF100 is lovely little Camera. Very light, knobs all n the right place and will sit comfortably in the palm of your hand all day long. Reminds me of my very first DV Cam, the Canon XM1- which I might add is still running even today, 12 yrs on and it has seen some serious 'hammer' in it's time. Sweaty music gigs, lugged over mountains and survived many dips in an either very hot or cold humid underwater housings. Not forgetting the many bumps of flight check-ins etc. I've bought a pair of these XF 100 beauties back in May and I'm very impressed with the performance so far. Even in the lowish defused light conditions of a grim UK rainy day shoot. I'm sorry that really was the summer. But I might suggest mounting an external directional mic if your planning anything fancy re the sound - say trying to pick-up a speaker in a crowd. The Obvious situations really. But I really would suggest you check it out on say the H. Prestons website as they are both quite compeditive and are always very helpful. Might even suggest you visit them in person for a nice chat and a play with what else that have to offer. Had an initial problem I recall with running the HD files onto FCP 10. But quickly sorted with the free fix downloaded from the official Canon website. The HD pictures & sound are never the less gorgeous and are seemingly already passed as good enough spec for broadcast by those tekkies at the BBC. I am curious as to why these units are not already in wider use with other Documentary shooters. However I personally had to wait around 6 weeks for my delivery so that might be a reason. But they have been worth the wait. Anyway good luck & good shooting.

Steve Hooker (UK)

12 years, 7 months ago - Jon-Paul Washington

Hi Georgina,

My mistake, they both have XLR inputs. So the XF-100 will probably be suffice.

Jon-Paul

12 years, 7 months ago - Haider Zafar

Hi Georgina,

HDEW cameras are selling it for £2,250 and are a great place to buy or collect from.

I would have recommended the XF105 too but the price may be an unnecessary difference for your requirements.

Good luck in your findings :-)

12 years, 7 months ago - Jon-Paul Washington

Hi Georgina,

The Canon XF-100 is indeed a broadcast grade HD camcorder. RRP £2499.00 but you maybe be able to find it for around £2250.00. Personally, i'd go for the Canon XF-105 RRP is £3999.00 but you may be able to find it for around the £3000 mark. The reason i'd spend the extra is that they are both the same camcorder, sensor, etc, but the XF-105 in addition, has Gen-Lock and Timecode capabilities and more importantly for you I imagine, XLR Audio Inputs.

I hope this helps.

Cheers,

Jon-Paul